256: One Risky Text Message Changed Everything

In this episode, we’re doing something a little different. We’re recording together from the car for the very first time as we kick off a brand new series on the podcast: Car Chats.

And to start things off, we’re sharing the story that so many people in our community have asked us about… how Level Up actually began.

The truth? It didn’t start with a big strategy session or a perfectly mapped out business plan. It started with a single text message in January of 2023.

You’ll also hear how our very different personalities and skill sets became one of the biggest strengths of our partnership. One of us loves the behind-the-scenes strategy, systems, and launches. The other thrives in community building, mentorship, and the student experience. Together, we built something neither of us could have created alone.

This episode is the full origin story of how Level Up began — and why sometimes the best things start with simply deciding to go for it.

This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/

And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco

Timestamps:
00:00 - 01:16 | Editing Backlogs & The Power of Outsourcing
01:17 - 02:50 | Introducing the Car Chats Series & Episode Setup
02:51 - 06:00 | The Early Days of The Level Up Podcast
06:01 - 09:33 | How Taylor & Kelley First Connected During the Pandemic
09:34 - 13:39 | The Text Message That Started Their Partnership
13:40 - 18:05 | Building The Luxury Framework & Defining Their Brand Vision
18:06 - 22:07 | Complementary Strengths & Division of Roles in Business
22:08 - 25:49 | Growing Level Up & Navigating an Unconventional Partnership
25:50 - 28:42 | Impact of Education, Mentorship & Looking Ahead

The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

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The Level Up Co. Resources:
- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle
- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle
- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list
- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework
- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/reset

Connect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:
🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/
🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/
🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/
💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/